Pumice is a lightweight, porous volcanic rock with impressive drainage and moisture retention abilities that makes it a popular choice for planting succulents and cacti.

Pumice’s tiny pores and trapped gas bubbles allow for slow moisture release, acting as a reservoir for water and nutrients. Mixed with soil, it promotes proper water drainage.

Additionally, pumice helps to aerate the soil, which promotes stronger root systems in your plants and helps prevent soil compaction over time.

Succulents are easy to overwater and need well-draining soil to thrive, making pumice the perfect choice. However, it shouldn’t be the only substrate you use.

Since pumice doesn’t retain water as effectively as other soil components, mix it with perlite, compost, or garden soil to help improve drainage.

The general recommendation is to mix potting soil and pumice at a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that different succulent varieties have their own specific soil mixture ratios.

For succulents that can’t tolerate wet soil, boost drainage by using a 25% ratio of pumice, potting soil, sand, and compost. Use small pumice grains to absorb any stagnant water.